Spies allowed to break speed limit

Spies are to be given a "licence to speed" for the first time, under changes to motoring laws.

Officers in MI5 and MI6 currently have to abide by the rules of the road even when national security is under threat.

But transport minister Robert Goodwill is to hand them the same exemptions as police, fire and ambulance drivers.

They will be able to break the speed limit once they have completed a training course in high-speed driving.

Vehicles used to carry organs for transplant, bomb disposal units, and mountain rescue teams are also set to be added to the list.

It is understood that 93% of those who responded to a Department for Transport consultation on the issue backed extending the speeding exemption to those involved in "the protection of life and limb or national security".